Practising English
Practising English is a podcast for intermediate and upper-intermediate learners of British English. It features original stories written specifically for students, along with grammar explanations, vocabulary practice, and pronunciation tips. The podcast also helps prepare for Cambridge B1 PET and B2 FCE exams, as well as IELTS levels 4-6. Listeners can improve their listening, speaking, and exam skills through engaging content.
Episodes
313. The Importance of Being Earnest (B2 story)
These are the B2 phrases I'll be studying today:(See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-313.htmas far as sth is concernedDefinition: When talking about a particular subject or issue. Example: As far as money is concerned, we need to be careful. a misunderstandingDefinition: A situation in which people do not understand each other correctly. Example:The argument started b
312. Treasure Island (chapter 12) B1 Story
These are the B1 phrases we're going to study today:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-312.htm 1. after a whileDefinition: after some time has passed Example: We talked for a while , and after a while we went home. 2. on purposeDefinition: intentionally; not by accident Example: John broke his mobile phone on purpose so his parents would buy him a new one. 3. put out (a fire) Definit
311. The Adventure of the Western Star (part 2) B2 story
These are the B2 phrasal verbs we're studying today:For full stiry transcript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-311.htm1. Turn up (Meaning: To arrive or appear)"We wrapped up the meeting early because the client didn't turn up on time."2. Get away (Meaning: To escape or evade capture)"The thieves managed to get away before the security guards could lock the buildi
310. Treasure Island (chapter 11) B1 story
These are the B1 expressions we'll study today:For full story audio script: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-310.htm1) just in caseDefinition: to be prepared if something happens.Take an umbrella just in case it rains.2) get readyDefinition: to prepare for something.We need to get ready for school.3) come to an agreementDefinition: to decide something together after talking.After two
309. Adventure of the Western Star (B2 story) Part 1
These are the B2 phrases we'll be studying today:For audioscript see: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-309.htmpeculiarDefinition: strange or unusual in a way that is interesting or surprising.Examples:There was a peculiar smell coming from the kitchen.worryingDefinition: making you feel anxious or concerned.Examples:The doctor said the test results were worrying.playing a joke onDefi
308. Treasure Island - chapter 10 (B1 story)
These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today:See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-308.htm1) on one's own Definition: alone, without help from othersExample:· She lives on her own in a small flat. 2) of one's own Definition: something that belongs only to a personExample:· He wants a room of his own. 3) in the end Definition: finally, after everyth
307. Cowboy (B2 story) Part 2
These are the B2 expressions we're going to study today. For full transcript of the story, you can go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-307.htm1) take the blame Definition: to accept that you are responsible for something bad that happened. I took the blame for the mistake at work.2) make for Definition: to move in a particular direction or go toward a place. After dinner, we ma
306. Treasure Island - chapter 9 (B1 story)
These are the B1 phrases we are going to study today.To read the full transcript of the story, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-306.htmNon-B1 words from this chapter of Treasure Island: cannibals - humans who eat the meat of other humansshipwreck - a ship which has been destroyed at seacannon - a large gun used in ships to shoot at other shipsUnion Jack - the flag of the Uni
305. Cowboy (B2 story) Part 1
Here is the B2 vocabulary I'll be studying today. The link takes you to see the audioscript.https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-305.htm1) ReckonDefinition: To think or believe that something is true or will happen.Example Sentence: I reckon it is going to rain this afternoon, so we should probably bring our umbrellas.2) Head (verb)Definition: To go or move in a particular direction.Exam
304. Treasure Island - chapter 8 (B1 story)
These are the B1 words and expressions we'll be looking at today: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-304.htm1) Binomial pairsNeat and tidy (meaning: clean, organized)Example: She keeps her bedroom incredibly neat and tidy.Sick and tired (meaning: very annoyed/bored of something)Example: I am sick and tired of this cold weather.Short and sweet (meaning: quick but pleasant)Example: The m
303. The Count of Monte Cristo (extract) B2 Story
These are the B2 phrases we are going to study in today's podcast:thinking twiceDefinition: Considering a decision carefully or hesitating before doing something. Example: I saw the cat in the tree and, without thinking twice , I climbed up to save it. lose his nerveDefinition: To suddenly become afraid or lose the courage to do something intended. Example: He wanted to go skydiving, but he l
302. Treasure Island - chapter 7 (B1 story)
Read the audioscript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-302.htmThese are the words studied today:1) take a good look atDefinition: to look at something carefully2) for sureDefinition: definitely; without doubt3) what’s on your mindDefinition: what you are thinking or worrying about4) sooner or laterDefinition: at some time in the future (not now, but eventually)5) pay attention toDefinitio
301. Anne of Green Gables (B2 story)
These are the B2 words and phrases we will be studying today:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-301.htm1) scared stiffMeaning: extremely frightened; so scared you cannot moveExample:I was scared stiff when I heard a loud noise in the dark.2) awkwardMeaning: feeling uneasy, embarrassed, or not relaxedExample:I felt awkward when I didn’t know anyone at the party.3) drop somebody offMeaning: t
300. Treasure Island - chapter 6 (B1 story)
These are the words we'll be studying in this B1 podcast today. To see the full audioscript of the story, you can go to my website at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-300.htm · Set off – We set off early in the morning to start our trip to the mountains. · Join in – Everyone was dancing, so I decided to join in and have fun. · Reliable and efficient – Our new computer system is
299. The man who could work miracles - part 2 (B2 story)
These are the B2 words we'll study today. You can also find the story transcript with B2 words highligted at:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-299.htm · in amusement She laughed in amusement when she saw the puppy trying to catch its own tail. · boast He likes to boast about his achievements, even when no one asks him about them. · deliberately She deliberately ignored his mes
298. Treasure Island - chapter 5 (B1 story)
Here is the B1 vocabulary for today's Treasure Island chapter:1) close up2) show somebody in3) have one’s doubts4) keen on / fond of5) dislike6) not be convinced7) give somebody a hand The Hispaniola was waiting out at sea, not near the land but a little way out. We rowed out in a small boat among many big ships. Their ropes hung down in the water, and sometimes th
297. The man who could work miracles - part 1 (B2 story)
The vocabulary and story transcript to today's B2 story:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-297.htm 1. define It is sometimes difficult to define success, because it means different things to different people. 2. an act of will Finishing the marathon after injuring his ankle was purely an act of will. 3. upside down When I turned the map upside down, I finally realized
296. Treasure Island - chapter 4 (B1 story)
These are the words I'll be studying today:Transcript at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-296.htmtreasureto sailcrewsailorthe docksshiptelescopecrutchpiratethe squireAll hands on board!aye, aye, sir!a schoonerContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B
295. The Signalman - part 2 (B2 story)
You can read the transcript here at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-295.htmThe B2 words I study today are these: · without hesitation She accepted the job offer without hesitation because it matched her skills perfectly. · take pride in something He takes pride in his work and always tries to do his best, even under pressure. · talk this over Let’s talk this over tomo
294. Treasure Island - chapter 3 (B1 story)
These are the questions for the story today. You can see the complete audioscript for the story at my website:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-294.htm1) Why wouldn't the people from the village help Jim and his mother?2) How much money did Jim's mother take from the chest (box)?3) How did the blind man and his men get into the inn?4) What was inside the packet that Jim found ins
293. The Signalman - part 1 (B2 story)
These are the 7 B2 words I discuss during the podcast:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-293.htm1) rolled2) feared3) shade4) dragged5) unwilling6) endless7) uneasyContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the
292. Treasure Island - chapter 2 (B1 Story)
For the full transcript of the story go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-292.htmThese are the phrases I study from the B1 story today:get rid of – I want to get rid of these old clothes because I never wear them. run (a business) – She runs a small business with her sister. unpleasant – The weather was cold and unpleasant all day. set the table – Can you help me set the table before d
291. The Black Cat - part 2 (B2 story)
The second and final part of my B2-level adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's The Black Cat: The B2 phrases studied are:The Black Cat (B2-Level- Part 2) · fall into hopeless despair After losing his job and the apartment in the same week, he fell into hopeless despair. · draw their attention to The teacher pointed at the board to draw the students’ attention to the maths problem solution. ·
290. Treasure Island - chapter 1 (B1 Story)
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. My B1-level version.Chapter 1Squire Trelawney, Dr. Livesey, and some other gentlemen asked me to write down the whole story of Treasure Island, from the beginning to the end . I must leave out only the exact position of the island, because there is still treasure there...https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-290.htmContact Mike Bilbrough with a questi
289. The Black Cat - part 1 (B2 story)
First part of my B2 version of The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe: For the most strange, yet also ordinary, story that I am about to write, I do not expect belief, nor do I ask for it. To tell the truth, I would be foolish to expect anyone to believe me... Read story transcript with B2 words in bold: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-289.htmContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry a
288. The Lost Ring (B2 story)
You can find the audioscript to the B2 story today just here:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-288.htmThe Lost RingMary Grams, a woman from Alberta, Canada, lost her diamond engagement ring in 2004 while she was working in her garden. The ring slipped off her finger, but although she made a long search for it, in the end, she believed it had gone missing forever.Mary was very disappointed
287. That's Life! (B1 dialogue)
This is the audioscript for today's B1-level dialogue:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-287.htmThat's Life!Mary: 'Morning, Anna. You don't look very well today. Are you sick?Anna: 'Morning, Mary. Oh, yes. I feel terrible. I'm suffering from this backache and my head hurts. I think it's an illness caused by this awful, cold weather.Mary: Oh dear. I've
286. The Hole (B2 Story) Part 2
This is the audioscript for this B2 story (part 2) of The Hole:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-286.htmThe Hole (Part 2)I hurriedly set up the equipment from out of my bags.'Can I help, señor?' Pedro stepped forwards.'Please. Undo these two ropes. One has a harness and the other is fixed to this small sack, while I set up the laptop and monitor.'I then had to think fas
285. The Hole (B2 Story)
This is the audioscript for today's B2 story:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-285.htmThe Hole'We're arriving, señor,' said the helicopter pilot. 'It's down there, by that hill. I'll land as close as I can get. Time is going to be crucial.' The helicopter dropped down vertically and bounced once before finally settling on the grassy slope.There were
284. A Christmas Surprise (B1 and B2 Story)
This is a B1 and B2 story with phrasal verbs. Here is the audioscripy for the story:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-284.htmA Christmas SurpriseChristmas didn't turn out very well for Flora. She lived in the north of Scotland, where the weather can be a problem in the winter months. She lived in Keiss, a fishing village at the northern end of Sinclair's Bay on the east coast of
283. The Christmas Festival (B2 Story)
This is the story text for the B2 story today:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-283.htmThe song in today's podcast is an arrangement by Dmitry Taras - check it out at Pixabay.The Christmas Festival'So, Miss Jenkins,' said the mayor. 'As the town's new Councillor for cultural events, it'll be your turn this year to organise the Christmas town festival.'&ap
282. Scrooge and the Turkey (B1 Story)
This is the audioscript for today's story and the B1 words studied:Scrooge and the TurkeyScrooge ran to the window, opened it, and put his head outside. There was no fog or mist. The air was clear, bright, and cold. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the bells were ringing happily.'Oh, how absolutely wonderful!' cried Scrooge in a cheerful voice.'What day is it?' h
281. The Fat One (B2, C1 Story - repeat)
Not able to bring my new B2 podcast today so I'm leaving you with an older Christmas story (repeat). Audioscript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-70.htmContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the
280. A Brief Meeting at Christmas (B1 Story)
This is the text for the B1 story today. Who was the mysterious girl in the park?https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-280.htmA brief meeting at ChristmasIt was two days before Christmas, and Lucas, a sixteen-year-old boy, was feeling rather lonely. His parents were busy at work, and his older sister was studying in London. To pass the time, Lucas decided to take a walk through the snowy park.
279. Christmas Cheer (B2 Story)
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-279.htmThis is a B2 recording today with a story for you to enjoy...Christmas cheerI’m standing in a peaceful, wealthy suburb a few miles from Bristol city centre. Without doubt, It’s going to be a white Christmas, or rather it is already a white Christmas thanks to a generous amount of snow that has fallen on this Christmas Eve. The quiet, snowy road has
278. White Christmas (B1 story)
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-278.htmThis is the story text I'll be using with the B1 words in bold:White ChristmasSteve Matlock worked in a car factory in Bristol. Every day at lunch, he sat in the canteen with his colleagues. They had discussions about their families, their aims, and their dreams. It was Christmas Eve, and the canteen felt warm and cheerful.“What are you doing f
277. Family Breakfast (B2 conversation)
This is the formal conversation studied today:“Beginning morning food consuming cycle,” said the father as he entered the kitchen. “Please gather at the table for an efficient distribution of resources.”Mother replied, “Indeed, I have organised a balancedcombination of carbohydrates and proteins, which should provide ideal operating for the day.”The ten-year-old entered next. “Parents, I request i
276. B1 Linking Words (Part 2)
Here is the text we are studying today.The Best Way to Learn a New LanguageIf you want to build confidence in English language speaking, rather than silent study, choose conversation activities instead. And try writing short messages instead of only memorising vocabulary lists.Practice speaking whenever you find someone willing to talk, and use new words wherever you go. It does not matter whether
275. B2 Linking Words
B2 conjunctionsCity Life Compared to Country LifeMany people wonder whether they would be happier living in the city or in the countryside. City life offers a fast rhythm and many opportunities, and it can be exciting, though it often feels crowded and noisy. Some people imagine that they would enjoy the peace of rural areas, when, in fact, they admit they enjoy the crowds and the lively lifestyle
274. B1 Linking Words (Part 1)
This is part 1 of my TWO podcasts on B1 linkers: The text for today is:Many people want to learn a new language, yet they often wonder what method works best. One helpful idea is to treat the language as you would a musical instrument, practising regularly. Learning can also happen as you travel or do other activities, as practice is important because it keeps the language fresh in your mind.In ad
273. Priorities (B2 Story)
Here is the text for the B2 story today:PrioritiesSteve was a talented guitarist who had spent years trying to make it big. When his band finally got an album deal, he felt his dreams were coming true. But his wife, Laura, was tired of being alone with their two children. One night, she told him enough was enough: 'Spend time with us, or you'd better leave. We can't go on like this.
272. The Sandwich Hero (B1 Story)
Here is the script for today's B1 story:The Sandwich HeroIn our town there used to be this chap, Tom. Every day, he sat near the market asking for coins or for a sandwich to eat. His clothes were dirty, and his hair was messy, I noticed he smelled a bit too. People didn’t pay him much attention. I couldn’t say I was fond of him, but I did feel sorry for him. He looked a bit depressed. I wonde
271. Chance of a Lifetime (B2 Story)
Here is the B2 story for today:A chance of a lifetime (B2)Sophie had always led a busy life. Between her job at the hospital and her evening art classes, she hardly had a moment to relax. One Friday, after a long shift, she received a last-minute call from her boyfriend, Tom. He insisted she came to the old café by the river.When Sophie arrived, the place was quiet, and Tom was waiting with a big
270. A Helpful Ghost (B1 Story)
This is the B1 story I'm going to read to you today and the vocabulary I'll look at:A helpful ghost (B1)Detective Sam Green liked to hang around any place where strange things happened. One autumn morning, he arrived in a small town surrounded by a beautiful landscape of snowy mountain peaks. The people there seemed friendly, but whenever Sam asked about the old castle on a nearby hill,
269. Every Dog has his Day (B1 and B2 Story)
Norman Newbury has never won anything in his life, and then when a swimming competition comes up, Norman thinks he could, at last, win the trophy.B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?1) talk things over with2) kept in good shape3) push himself4) (feel) over the moon5) took a deep breath6) taken it for grantedThe vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have been taken out (unless the word be
268. The Girl in the Painting (B1 Story)
The B1 story today:The Girl in the PaintingSophie had been meaning to visit the old house on the hill for years, and she was surprised to see the door open, as though inviting her to visit.Inside, the air was heavy and quiet. She glanced around the dusty room and saw an old mirror. In the glass, she saw a handsome young man smiling at her. She turned suddenly, however, there was no one there behin
267. Article on Friendship (B2 level)
This is a B2 level podcast:The Magic of True FriendshipHave you ever stopped to think what really makes a good friend? We all have people we hang out with, but genuine friendship goes beyond just having fun together.A good friend is someone you can count on, no matter what. They listen when you need to talk, cheer you up when you’re feeling down, and tell you the truth — even when it’s hard to hea
266. An article about games for PET exam (B1 level)
Today, I'm going to read an article, which is similar to the articles you have to write if you're doing the B1 Cambridge PET exam.Many people enjoy playing games in their free time. Some prefer board games like chess or Monopoly, while others like video games such as Minecraft or FIFA. But which type of game is more interesting to play?Board games are great for spending time with family
265. A True Champion (B2 Story)
A B2-level short story for you today...A True ChampionSofia had always dreamed of becoming a professional tennis player. She trained every morning, even when she was tired, because she knew success would depend on her hard work. Some people tried to discourage her from doing so much training, saying she was wasting her time, but Sofia refused to listen.Her first big tournament didn’t go well. She
264. The Mystery of the Lake (B1 Story)
The Mystery of the LakeDay after day, Lily walked past the old lake near her village. The elderly people of the village said it was dangerously deep, and that in its depths lived an enormous monster. In all her life, Lily had never seen anything, although she often wondered why there were never ducks or swans on the lake. One summer morning, she decided to take her small boat and explore the lake
263. If Only We Could Go Back (B2 story)
The audioscript for today's B2 story:If only we could go backOn Tuesday morning, Alice decided to call in sick, not because she was ill, but because the clouds outside looked like elephants marching across the sky. Today she felt like the little girl that she used to be many years before. She simply couldn’t be bothered to sit at her office desk when such wonders were happening around her.She
262. The Missing Actor (B1 Story)
The story audioscript for the story. The B1 words are shown in black.The missing actorDetective Anna Jones had a long career solving strange crimes. One rainy night, the police had called her to a dark hotel outside the village to help them. A film actor and celebrity, John Kelly, had disappeared from his locked room. The manager had knocked on the door, to bring his dinner, but there had been no
261. The Crown Thief (B2 Story)
B2 story and vocabulary today. Here is the audioscript of the story and the B2 words in bold.The Crown ThiefDetective Harris was on the point of leaving the police station when the phone rang. A robbery had taken place at the old museum. He grabbed his coat and hurried out.At the scene, the guard looked bad-tempered. “This is a disgrace!” he shouted. “The thief just walked in and out. Nobody stopp
260. A Frightening Experience at the Airport (B1 Story)
A B1-level podcast today with a story and a test on the B1 words and expressions:A frightening experience at the airportRead the audioscript of the story at:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-260.htmContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder
259. The Fresh-food Market (B2 story)
This is the B2 podcast for this week.Aidioscript:The Fresh-food MarketSee audioscript with B1 words highlighted at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-259.htmContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words
258. The Climbing Accident (B1 Story)
I'm back from my holidays!Today I'm publishing the first B1 podcast of season 5 - five years helping intermediate students pass Cambridge exams.I also have news of my new book just published on Amazon "B1 English Vocabulary Builder" 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam. Hear more on the podcast!See audioscript with B1 words highl
257. The Fool on the Hill (B1 story) (last of the summer repeats)
This favourite story for learners of B1 will be the last of the summer episodes before my return for season 5 next week. Enjoy the story!Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need t
256. The Cucumber (B1) (summer repeat)
Here are some words that are not B1 and you'll need to understand the story.Words which are outside the A1 to B1 levels*Greenhouse - a building with glass sides and roof for growing plants in.*Skin - the outside of some types of vegetable and fruit.*String - a long piece of material used for tying things together.*Ultraviolet (light) - a blue light with wavelengths shorter than violet light.*
255. The Green Door (summer repeat) B2 level
This lovely story from the the American writer O'Henry, I completely re-wrote for B2 level. Here is the vocabulary discussed:Just around the corner. The means a place further on where we cannot see but is very close.English proverb: The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. This means that life is better any place but where you are now.hesitation - worried about doing someth
254. Tsunami (summer repeat) B1 level story (part 2)
Here is Part two of my popular story, Tsunami for learners of B1 EnglishContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the Words and Phrases Students Need to Pass the B1 Exam" is now available! This book gives the le
253. Tsunami (summer repeat) B1 level story (part 1)
I am still on holiday during August, so today I bring you a favourite of many listeners - the B1 story of Tsunami! (Part 1). Part 2 next week.Enjoy it and enjoy your summer!Mike BilbroughContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories
252. Dad (summer repeat) B1 level story (part 2)
While I'm on my summer holiday, here is a repeat of a lovely B1 story - Part 2 of "Dad". I published Part 1 last Wednesday.The verbs we are studying today are:realizedropcall outweighadmireencouragediveappearbreathehugAt https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisin
251. Dad (summer repeat) B1 level story (part 1)
I'm on holiday so I'm leaving you with a favourite story of mine "Dad" in 2 parts. This is a repeat of a podcast from September 2023. Next Wednesday, I'll publish part 2.This is part 1 of a B1-level story for learners of English, especially Cambridge English. The story is called Dad. It's about a family fishing trip in Spain. Vocabulary about the sea, boats and fishin
250. Victims of Nature B2 (repeat)
Comprehension questions for this B2-level story.(I'm on holiday at the momento so leave you with a repeat episode.) Enjoy!1) What reasons did Alberto's mother give Alberto for leaving the Alpujarra?2) What did Gustavo mean by the comment "we're just victims of nature"?3) The story says, "When Alberto saw the pink clouds at dawn, he knew bad weather was on the way"
249. The Mushroom Murders (B2 English)
This is about the trial in Australia that finished just last week and is popularly known as "The Mushroom Murders". Today, I'll ask the famous detective, Hércules Poirot (from Agatha Christie's novels) to explain to his exclusive audience of people involved in the crime and to us, the listeners of the podcast, what happened exactly, and who the murderer is.This is a B2-level po
248. The Unexpected Visit (animal vocabulary) B2 Story
This is a B2-level recording and story with vocabulary about animal sounds and movement:Animal words:warren - where rabbits live together in the groundroar - sound like a lion makesthunder - sound like large animals running pastscream - high pitched sound that sounds angry or scaredhop - to jump (in humans - on one leg)poke your head out - look out briefly from somewheretwitching - quick movements
247. Future Continuous for B1 (and B2) with story
Hello, dear students!Future continuous for fixed events, which are expected to happen. (This is B1 grammar with interest for B2 students too!)will + be + verb+ingI'll be giving a talk at that time, but I could see you afterwards for a coffee.This time next week I'll be flying into paradiseI'll be seeing you soon, then. Yes. Holidays finish next week.Not about making decisions but st
246. There is / are and extended family
Today, I’m going to talk about the family of ‘there is’! At first, that might seem very basic English grammar. Indeed, the phrase ‘there is’ is A1 level. However, at B1 and even B2 level, I must admit there are few students who talk about this family. Why? Because it’s not a structure that has a literal word for word translation in many other languages. Anyway, let’s meet some of the family first
245. B1 Linking Words with a story
B1 Linking WordsLinking words join two sentences together. Here are the ones I mention during the podcast:A Rainy AdventureTom wanted to go hiking. The sky looked grey but he didn’t mind – no problemWith linker: Tom wanted to go hiking, although the sky looked grey. He packed his bag. He wanted to be ready the moment his friend Anna called.With linker: He packed his bag in order to be ready as soo
244. The Breath of the Mosquito (complete version) B1 Story
For health reasons, I'm afraid I cannot share a new podcast with you today. I include instead, one of my favourite stories that I wrote for students studying for B1 English level: The Breath of the Mosquito as a complete version.This extract will help you understand what the story is about...'If… if something went back in time and existed in the past, something or somebody who was not th
243. B1 adjectives (short story)
Here are the B1 words we're studying today:acceptableaccurateamusingannoyedconvenientembarrassedforbiddengratefulhopelessmiserableTo see the transcript of the story: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-243.htmContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocab
242. FCE Story 2 (B2)
In today's B2 FCE story, you'll be listening to this B2 vocabulary:heading for Paris his hands were trembling both thrilled and terrified himdoubting every shotgazing out of the windowan old woman wiped her eyes. the crowd clapped enthusiasticallyas he nervously walked up his anxiety forgottenTo read an annotated version of the full story audioscript go to: https://www.practisingenglish.
241. FCE Story (B2 )
How to write the FCE story (B2 level) for the Cambridge exam. If you're not taking this exam, this episode will be useful for learning how to express yourself at B2 level in written prose.You can see the transcript at https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-241.htmContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglis
240. Tudor Conspiracy revisited B1, B2
I apologise for not bringing you a new podcast this week. I leave you with chapter 1 of the Tudor Conspiracy (from an audio book and reader I published a few years ago). Hope to be with you next week with a new podcast episode!Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 Englis
239. The Letter (B1, B2)
These are the words I discuss today. They are linking words, essential for your B1 and B2 writing papers in the Cambridge exam.MoreoverIn addition,BesidesWhat is more,Furthermore,YetTo begin with,In the same way,Similarly,Consequently,See audioscript of story at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-239.htmContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising Engli
238. If so, if not, B1 level with dialogue
How to use 'if so' and 'if not' in dialogue.A conditional clause to refer a previous direct or indirect 'yes-no' question where the answer might be ‘yes’. Do you think we could study more grammar? If so, could you give us more help with tenses?Is it possible to pay by credit card? If so, which card do you accept?Does Mrs Smith like wine? If so, does she prefer white o
237. Candle Burning - B1 short story (complete version)
These are the four comprehension questions to read before you listen to the story.1) What was the first thing Nigel did when he went into the shower?2) What did Nigel decide not to have for breakfast that day?3) Why did Nigel lose his job?4) What reason did the doctor give for Nigel's death?Answers are given at the end of the podcastFor complete transcript of the story, go to: https://www.pra
236. Complex sentences B1, B2 (4 funny jokes)
Structure SummaryWould like / want / askI would like you to come to a party on SaturdayObject Clause (noun clause): you to come to a party on SaturdaySubject + verb + [object = (object pronoun + verb + more information)]I / would like / you to come to a party on Saturday. Other examples:I would like you to come to a meeting on Monday to discuss the terms of the contract. My parents want me to go o
235. Future Perfect B2 (short story)
LOOKING BACK FROM A POINT IN THE FUTURE - FUTURE PERFECTI have studied / I have been studying English for/since...(from the past to the present)Next September, I will have studied / been studying English for ten years(from the past to a moment in the futureI will have had this car for fifteen years next month.I will have lived / been living in Seville for twenty-five yearsThis summer I will have b
234. B2 Time Adverbs
These are the B2 time adverbs you should learn for the speaking and writing of the Cambridge FCE exam. Listen for them in the podcast, and decide which I am referring to in the dialogue section at the end of the podcast. (B1 students also invited!)firstly, etc. lastly, (often at the beginning of a sentence)instantly (often at the end of a sentence)temporarily (often at the end of a sentence)curren
